"Two whole months of free laundry in exchange for two weeks of being my fake boyfriend. Deal?" Keith hesitated for a moment. Was this really worth it? Hardly. Lance was an asshole, and he wasn't sure what fake dating would entail. But, free laundry was free laundry, right? "All right. It's a deal." - hey !! me (chaoticnyxx) am NOT, under ANY MEANS, the OG author of this !! please don't give me credit when credit isn't due. happy reading !! OG author: Gibslythe on AO3

In the hauntingly beautiful setting of Yorkshire, England unfolds a tale of heartbreak, resilience, and the transcendent power of love. Desiderium follows the tumultuous life of Esther Hardinge, a young woman burdened by tragedy and bound by duty. Orphaned at a tender age, Esther's world is shattered by the loss of both her parents. As she is thrust into the custody of her callous grandmother, Alice Hardinge, and her stoic grandfather, Clifford Hardinge, Esther endures a childhood marred by cruelty and despair. Her beloved brother Raymond's harrowing suicide attempt leaves him physically and mentally scarred, casting a perpetual shadow over their lives. Amidst the depths of her sorrow, Esther's ethereal beauty becomes both her salvation and her curse. Revered by all who gaze upon her, she embodies a mesmerizing allure that ignites envy and desire. Yet, as the weight of responsibility presses upon her shoulders, Esther dutifully enters a loveless marriage, hoping to secure her future. But fate has other plans for Esther when she encounters the enigmatic recluse-a mysterious painter hiding from the world. In his presence, her beliefs are shattered, and the facade of duty begins to crumble. As their lives intertwine, Esther is confronted with a profound realization: to truly live, she must dare to break free from the suffocating chains of convention. In Desiderium, Kavi Dahlmann masterfully weaves a tragic romance that delves into the depths of human emotions, painting a vivid portrait of longing, sacrifice, and the indomitable spirit of love. Amidst the backdrop of Georgian England, Esther's journey serves as a poignant reminder that even in the darkest of times, the heart's whisperings can guide us towards liberation and the true essence of our souls. Will Esther summon the strength to defy societal expectations and follow the yearnings of her own heart? *Trigger warning*